Hard-Fought SLC Opener Ends in 1-1 Tie Between Islanders, Huskies

NOTE: HBU later forfeited due to an ineligible student-athlete participating in the match. The Islanders were awarded a 1-0 win.

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CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A goal in the second half by junior Samantha Palomino knotted up an eventual 1-1 tie between the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi women's soccer program and HBU on Friday evening at Dugan Stadium.
 
The Islanders (2-3-1, 0-0-1 SLC) trailed 1-0 when they were awarded a free kick in the 72nd minute. Sophomore Emma Herrera launched a high ball from midfield that was headed by senior Reaghan Lang to the feet of Palomino who finished in the lower left corner.

A&M-Corpus Christi held a 10-7 advantage over HBU (0-5-1, 0-0-1 SLC) in shots on goal and a 10-8 edge in corner kicks.
 
"I am disappointed with the way we started the game and played the first half, but very excited with the second half reaction from coming from behind to get a point out of this game. That's the difference this year," said head coach Craig Shaw.
 
Sophomore Olivia Alvarez and freshman Megan Guy fired a team-high three shots apiece. It was Alvarez's first appearance of the season after coming off an injury. Lang, junior Maddie Janolo and freshman Morgan Westbury tallied two shots apiece.
 
Herrera and freshman Emma Crump played all 110 minutes at the center back positions. Herrera has logged every minute (560) this year.
 
Sophomore Kennedy Stelling, the reigning SLC Goalkeeper of the Week winner, made six saves. She's allowed just three goals in the last four games.
 
HBU's goal came in the 38th minute. After a defender fell down on a fast break, Avery Cortez cashed in with a shot into the lower left corner.
 
It marked the second straight season that the Islanders and Huskies battled to a 1-1 tie after a pair of overtimes. The two teams will play again this year on Oct. 7 at HBU.
 
The Islanders will close out the weekend on the road in a non-conference game at 1:05 p.m. Sunday at Texas State. The game will be streamed on ESPN+.
 
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